Steps to Prepare Colorado Outdoor Furniture and Plants for Winter

Understanding how to winterize outdoor furniture and plants in Colorado requires acknowledging the state’s unique climate: high altitude, intense sun, low humidity, strong winds, and dramatic temperature swings. These conditions increase stress on materials and plants during winter. The steps below prioritize prevention, moisture control, and sheltering to minimize winter damage and reduce spring workload.

Why Colorado Winters Are Different

Colorado winters can range from relatively dry and sunny with intense UV exposure to heavy snow and persistent freezes, depending on elevation and location. Freeze-thaw cycles are common and can damage porous materials and containers. Wind-driven snow and ice can abrade finishes and strip moisture from evergreens, causing winter burn.
Prepare with the dual goals of protecting from moisture and ice damage, and protecting from dessication and UV/wind exposure. Proper preparation also reduces the likelihood of mold, rot, rust, and cracked pots.

Timing and Planning

Decide when to start based on local microclimate and elevation. In many Front Range yards, the window for winter prep is late October to early November, but in mountain towns it may be earlier. The key trigger is consistent overnight temperatures at or below freezing, and a firm forecast for regular freezes.
Plan tasks in order: clean and repair furniture first; protect or store cushions; move or insulate containers and delicate plants; deeply water trees and shrubs before the ground freezes. Gather materials (covers, sealers, mulch, insulation) well before the first hard freeze.

Preparing Outdoor Furniture

Start with a full inspection. Remove rust, loose paint, mold, or surface debris. Target the specific material with the right treatments and storage solutions.

Wood Furniture

Wood is vulnerable to freeze-thaw splitting and rot if moisture sits in cracks. Properly prepare wood to minimize these risks.

• Clean with mild soap and water. For mildew, use a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water and scrub gently.
• Allow to dry completely in low-humidity conditions. Never store damp wood.
• Sand rough spots and reapply a penetrating exterior-grade sealer, oil, or semi-transparent stain. Use products labeled for exterior furniture and UV protection.
• Tighten hardware and replace any damaged fasteners. Remove cushions and store separately.
• If possible, store wood furniture in a covered, dry area like a garage or shed. If leaving outside, place on pavers to keep off wet ground and use a breathable cover that allows moisture to escape.

Metal Furniture

Metal withstands cold but is susceptible to rust and paint flaking.

• Remove rust with a wire brush or sandpaper, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer and repaint if needed.
• Tighten joints and lubricate moving parts with a dry lubricant rather than heavy grease that can attract dirt.
• Store inside if possible. Otherwise, cover with a fitted, breathable cover and lift legs off the ground on blocks to avoid direct contact with melting snow.

Wicker and Synthetic Materials

Natural wicker is delicate; synthetic resin wicker handles winter better.

• For natural wicker, plan to store indoors. Clean with a soft brush and mild soap, then dry fully.
• For synthetic wicker and plastics, clean, dry, and cover. Avoid heavy tarps taped tightly to the furniture; instead use breathable covers designed for outdoor furniture to reduce condensation and mildew.

Cushions, Fabrics, and Umbrellas

Fabrics trap moisture and mildew is a common problem.

• Remove and machine wash cushion covers if labeled washable. Let them dry fully in the sun.
• Store cushions in airtight plastic bins with silica packets, or in an indoor dry storage space. Avoid leaving cushions under covers outside.
• For umbrellas, clean, dry, and collapse. Store in a dry place. If left out, secure them and use wind straps; remove canopies if heavy snow is expected.

Storage and Covering Best Practices

• Avoid plastic tarps that trap condensation; instead choose breathable covers with vents.
• Use straps or bungee cords to secure covers against wind. Add padding at contact points to prevent abrasion.
• Elevate furniture slightly from the ground to prevent moisture transfer and to allow air circulation.

Preparing Plants and Gardens

Winter prep for plants focuses on hydration before the ground freezes, root protection, and minimizing wind and sun exposure.

Trees and Shrubs

Trees and shrubs need deep moisture and protection from winter injury.

• Water deeply until the ground begins to freeze. This helps roots survive the dry winter air.
• Do not fertilize late in the season; feeding stimulates growth that can be killed by frost.
• Prune only dead or damaged limbs. Avoid heavy pruning late in fall because new growth will be susceptible to freeze damage.
• For thin-barked species or young trees, wrap trunks with tree wrap in late fall to prevent sunscald and rodent damage.
• Add 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch a few inches from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent hiding places.

Perennials and Groundcovers

Protect crowns and roots with mulch while considering wildlife habitat.

• Cut back perennials that will not offer winter interest or seed heads. For native and pollinator-friendly gardens, consider leaving seed heads until late winter for wildlife.
• Apply 2 to 4 inches of mulch over beds after the ground begins to cool to stabilize soil temperatures and conserve moisture.
• Divide and transplant perennials in late summer or early fall rather than right before the freeze.

Container Plants

Containers are at higher risk because roots are exposed to air and can freeze quickly.

• Move cold-sensitive containers into unheated garages, basements, or inside. Even a sheltered porch is better than full exposure.
• For plants that must stay outdoors, insulate pots: wrap with bubble wrap, burlap, or old blankets, and group them together against a protected south-facing wall.
• Elevate containers off frozen ground with pot feet or blocks to reduce direct cold transfer.
• Consider sinking pots into the ground and mulching over them for the coldest months if moving is not possible.
• Water container plants thoroughly before the ground freezes to maximize root moisture.

Lawns, Vegetables, and Herbs

• For lawns, continue mowing until grass growth slows and apply a light fall fertilizer only if your season allows and recommended by local extension.
• For vegetable gardens, pull spent crops, remove diseased plants, compost healthy debris, and add a winter cover crop or mulch to prevent erosion and enrich soil.
• Herbs: Many herbs are tender perennials; bring potted herbs indoors if possible. Perennial herbs can be mulched and left outdoors, but avoid late-season fertilization.

Tools and Materials Checklist

• Garden gloves, pruning shears, loppers, pruning saw.
• Wire brush, sandpaper, exterior paint, rust-inhibitor.
• Exterior-grade wood sealer or oil, paint supplies.
• Breathable furniture covers, straps, blocks or pavers.
• Airtight storage bins and silica desiccant packs for cushions.
• Mulch (bark, compost, or straw), burlap, bubble wrap for pots.
• Watering hose and sprinkler for late-season deep watering.
• Anti-desiccant spray (use sparingly and only on recommended species).
• Pet-safe de-icer for walkways.
• Snow broom or soft-bristled brush for furniture and plants.

Make sure this checklist is staged in a single accessible area a few weeks before freeze dates so you are not scrambling.

Seasonal Maintenance and Snow Care

Once snow begins, maintenance helps avoid damage.

• After each snow, brush off furniture gently with a soft broom rather than letting heavy wet snow accumulate.
• Do not use shovels or metal tools against furniture surfaces as they can scratch and expose raw material to moisture.
• Remove ice from plants carefully; do not force ice off branches, as thawing can cause branches to snap.
• Keep walkways clear of heavy salt near planting beds; use pet- and plant-safe de-icers or sand instead.
• Inspect covers periodically for tightness and to ensure water is not pooling. Re-secure straps after wind events.

Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Covering wet furniture. Wet items under a cover trap moisture and encourage mildew and rot. Always clean and dry first.
• Mistake: Using non-breathable tarps. Plastic traps condensation; use breathable covers with vents.
• Mistake: Neglecting to water evergreens and shrubs. Dry winter air causes winter burn; water thoroughly until the ground freezes.
• Mistake: Late fertilization. Feeding late in the season stimulates vulnerable new growth.
• Mistake: Leaving lightweight furniture unsecured. High winds common in Colorado can flip or blow away items. Anchor or store small pieces.

If you find mold, mildew, or rust in spring, treat promptly with appropriate cleaners and refinishing. For plants that fail, resist immediate drastic pruning in late winter; wait until growth resumes to assess true winter damage.

Final Checklist: Week-by-Week Guide

1. Two to four weeks before first expected hard freeze: Clean furniture, repair and refinish wood, remove cushions, and prep covers. Deep water trees and shrubs.
2. One week before freeze: Move containers to sheltered spots, wrap pots and young trees, apply mulch to beds, and store cushions and fabrics indoors.
3. Immediately after first hard freeze: Secure covers, elevate furniture, and ensure hoses are drained and irrigation systems winterized.
4. Throughout winter: Shake off heavy snow, inspect covers after storms, and water if prolonged dry spells occur with temperatures above freezing.

Preparing for Colorado winter is about methodical, timely action. Clean, dry, and protect; water before freezes; insulate roots and containers; and store or secure furniture properly. These measures reduce repair costs, extend the life of outdoor investments, and make spring garden return quicker and less stressful.